Extremists seeking a toe-hold in Pakistan’s political mainstream

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Pakistan’s next Government is almost certain to start peace talks with the
Taleban and do more to prevent the US from using drones to kill suspected
terrorist leaders hiding in its border areas. Nawaz Sharif has warned that a
Government led by him would curtail co-operation with America.

His closest rival, Imran Khan, says much the same — one reason neither has
been targeted by the Taleban in the pre-poll killing spree that left more
than 120 dead. But Western diplomats worry far more about the consequences
for Pakistan of a weak and unstable coalition trying to deal with chronic
economic